CleanMyMac X review 2024: A comprehensive look

When it comes to Mac cleanup and optimization apps, CleanMyMac is one of the most mentioned. It has a reputation for an efficient software you can rely on whenever you face all sorts of Mac issues. With the addition of an anti-malware module, CleanMyMac can easily replace the numerous apps you may have installed to keep your computer running smoothly. But is CleanMyMac safe for your Mac? In this detailed CleanMyMac review, we’ve covered all the questions you may have about this app. 

To make sure we stay impartial and make this CleanMyMac review as unbiased as possible, we’ve answered some of the most popular questions people have about the app. 

Does Apple recommend CleanMyMac?

There is a lot of bias against apps like CleanMyMac, but the truth is Apple has never officially confirmed any of them. There are some shady apps out there that can do more harm than good: these are usually free apps that are potentially unwanted. They can mess with your system files and even track your private data. 

Is CleanMyMac legit? 

CleanMyMac is a legitimate application that has been here for over 15 years. It’s available on the App Store, meaning it’s been thoroughly tested and validated by Apple. CleanMyMac never touches critical system files: it lets you review all the junk selected for deletion and reveal those files in Finder, so you can double-check what you’re removing. 

CleanMyMac price & plans  

CleanMyMac offers a free 7-day trial, allowing you to test all modules and features for free and without limitation. If you like the app, you can purchase a one-year subscription, which will cost you $39.95. There’s also an option of a one-time purchase that costs $89.95. 

CleanMyMac free vs. paid 

CleanMyMac free trial lets you use all the app’s features, which are included in the paid version. You will have 7 days to test the app and see if it works for you. You can cancel your subscription anytime, but if you want to continue using CleanMyMac without purchasing a plan, you’ll only be able to scan your Mac — all further steps (cleanup, maintenance, optimization, malware deletion) won’t be available. 

How many Macs can I use CleanMyMac on? 

You can purchase a one-year subscription for one, two, and five Macs. The same applies to a one-time purchase: there are plans for one, two, and five Macs. 

Is CleanMyMac worth it?

Purchasing plans for two and five devices will cost you less per Mac. So, if you have more than one Mac in your household or have friends who use Macs, a plan for several devices may be a more affordable option. 

Considering you’re getting a Mac cleaner, optimization app and anti-malware tool in one software, CleanMyMac cost is pretty reasonable. 

Is CleanMyMac a good antivirus? 

Another thing you should know is that Malware Removal in CleanMyMac is powered by Moonlock Engine — the anti-malware technology that inspects mail attachments, archives, USB drives, browser extensions, and even launchers to spot a threat. Although CleanMyMac isn’t an antivirus originally, with advanced anti-malware tools, it can easily replace one. 

CleanMyMac free alternative

If you’re looking for a CleanMyMac alternative, you can try using the built-in tools available on your Mac. Go to System Settings, click General, and then Storage. Here, you’ll find helpful recommendations on how to optimize your storage. There is also a breakdown of how much of your storage space each category (like applications, documents, etc.) occupies. You can click the “i” button to see files that belong to each category and remove unneeded ones. 

This is just a small portion of what CleanMyMac can do, but it’s free and can help you free up some GBs. 

What makes CleanMyMac stand out? 

Smart scanning 

CleanMyMac is often praised for its sleek design and user-friendly interface, but there are also other reasons why it stands out. One of them is Smart Scan. This is the main feature of the app, which combines cleanup, optimization, and anti-malware tools, making it extremely easy to keep your Mac in good shape. Smart Scan looks for unneeded files as well as potential threats and runs quick optimization tasks to increase your Mac's performance. 

Mac health monitoring 

CleanMyMac goes beyond a standard Mac cleaner: with efficient tools and features, it helps identify what your Mac needs. After downloading the app and enabling the CleanMyMac menu, you'll have instant access to all monitors and quick tools. You can check CPU and memory load, quit troublesome apps, monitor battery life, and more. 

Malware detection & removal  

The app's built-in Malware Removal module does everything a separate antivirus can do. It thoroughly scans for all kinds of malware, including the most recent ones. The app checks every file you download to make sure it doesn't contain threats, and with real-time monitoring, you can be sure nothing can sneak in unnoticed.

CleanMyMac review: The bottom line 

CleanMyMac is a legitimate software that contains many tools to help you prolong the life of your Mac. Whether you need to free up space, speed up your Mac, or remove apps completely, CleanMyMac has you covered. Although CleanMyMac isn't a separate antivirus app, with the powerful technology behind the Malware Removal module, you can rest assured your Mac is always protected from threats. All of these features make CleanMyMac an excellent choice for anyone in search of all-in-one reliable Mac maintenance software.